Adding to its already impressive catalog of series and specials, MGM+ has picked up a new thriller anthology co-created and executive-produced by Shawn Ryan and Eileen Myers.
Similar in format to American Horror Story or Feud, the show is structured as an anthology, with each season centered on a different hostage situation. This approach allows each installment to tell a contained story while exploring new characters and high-stakes scenarios.
The first eight-episode chapter adapts the debut season of the scripted podcast of the same name and will feature Jon Hamm reprising his original role for the series.
Here is everything we know so far about the MGM+ series.
When will American Hostage premiere?
The eight-part thriller will debut in Fall 2026.
What is American Hostage about?
Set in the so-called “Me Decade” of the 1970s, the first season follows the true story of Fred Heckman (played by Hamm), an Indianapolis radio reporter and respected journalist who is thrust into the spotlight after a man named Tony Kiritsis demands to be interviewed on his show.
Kiritsis, angry over a dispute with a mortgage company, took a mortgage executive hostage. During the standoff, Kiritsis demanded airtime and specifically requested Heckman.
The official logline of the series states: “Based on the acclaimed first season of the scripted podcast of the same name, American Hostage is a psychological thriller set in the 1970’s that tells the harrowing true story of Fred Heckman, a beloved Indianapolis radio reporter who is thrust into the middle of a life-or- death crisis when hostage-taker Tony Kiritsis demands to be interviewed on his popular radio news program.”
Steven Ackerman/MGM+/Sony Pictures Television
Who stars in American Hostage?
Playing opposite Hamm is Giovanni Ribisi as Tony Kiritsis, who takes company executive Dick Hall hostage after he is threatened with foreclosure. Rigging a shotgun to fire if Hall moved, Kiritsis demands airtime and specifically requests reporter Heckman to cover the story during the tense standoff. Deadline broke the story on September 17.
Mireille Enos will play the role of Barbara, Fred’s wife, who forges a friendship with the hostage’s wife due to their circumstances.
William Jackson Harper will also join the period thriller, taking on the series regular role of Ben Hairston, Fred’s mentee at WIBC News, whose journalistic ethics are tested during the hostage crisis. And Kristoffer Polaha will play Dick Hall.
Who is behind American Hostage?
Hamm, Ryan, and Myers executive produce along with Connie Tavel, Sharon Hoffman, and Ryan’s MiddKid Productions partner, Marney Hochman. The company behind the American Hostage podcast, Shawn Christensen and Gabriel Mason of Criminal Content, also serve as executive producers.
Is there a trailer?
No. Not yet, but please check back.
American Hostage, Fall 2026, MGM+
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